Why Even Indoor Pets Need Rabies Shots

I admit that I'm one of the many people who, at first, was hesitant about getting my pets vaccinated for rabies. My cats never go outside at all, and my dog is only outside with my supervision. Besides, rabies is very rare. What's the big deal? It turns out that it is a big deal, for many reasons, to get your indoor-only pets rabies shots. Here are four reasons why!

1. It protects your pet from euthanasia. Even if your indoor-only pet is provoked (such as by a stranger invading your home or an aggressive dog at the park), he'll be in very hot water if he bites a person or another animal. Attorney Kenneth Phillips notes just how complicated even a provoked dog bite can be, and the importance of being able to produce shot records quickly. Your area's animal control service will need to hold him and many will euthanize unvaccinated pets on site. Even if your dog isn't euthanized, you'll find yourself at the center of a very troublesome legal battle if the authorities find out you have an unvaccinated animal.

2. You'll avoid a big fine. If your pet is ever impounded because he has wandered away from home-- something that can happen to indoor pets who simply bolt out the door-- you'll face a hefty fine in addition to the reclaim fee if you can't produce shot records. Many jurisdictions also require licenses for pets, which you can't get without a rabies vaccine. Dog expert Nicole Pajer states that you may need to pay as much as $250 to get your pet back if he's not licensed and ends up at Animal Control. Note that ordinances related to rabies vaccines don't make generally exceptions for indoor pets.

3. Your pet won't be killed. If your indoor pet gets out of the house, or is accompanying you on a camping trip or visit to the park, he may end up getting bitten by a wild animal such as a raccoon. If and when this happens, an unvaccinated animal will need to be immediately euthanized-- or, if you have thousands of dollars to spend, he'll need to be kept in lonely isolation for six months at your expense. That's no good!

4. It protects your pet and your family. About 300 cats and 50 dogs catch rabies in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. Sure, that number is on the low side, but it means that rabies isn't a thing of the past. Since rabies is 100% fatal for pets and humans alike, even one death is too many. Indoor pets aren't automatically protected, as the 2012 incident of a rabid bat flying into someone's home shows. A vaccine can save your indoor-only pet in the unlikely, but possible, event that he escapes and is bitten by an animal.

Rabies vaccines often cost ten dollars or less, and may even be free depending on your income and your area. Call your vet today to make an appointment for your pet's annual rabies vaccine. It simple move that can save your pet's life!